Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche offers several different reasons to stay: the Plage du Grain de Sel river swimming spot, trails in the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche and wine-related experiences. The options also differ in format—from a circular route to a linear trail to a guided e-bike tour. This lets you plan your day around the experience that matters most to you.
River swimming spot and practical information
Plage du Grain de Sel is a river swimming spot and has been awarded the Pavillon Bleu label. At the end of 2023, bathing water quality was rated excellent, based on the average quality results from the previous four years. Since the label is reviewed regularly and the rating explicitly applies to the end of 2023, check the current seasonal notice before swimming. The swimming spot has a jetty for people with reduced mobility, as well as a Tiralo. If this equipment is important for your visit, confirm its availability and the seasonal services on site.
Hiking trails and history
When planning a hike, two trails differ significantly in format. The Sentier de la rando des Gorges de l'Ardèche crosses the Réserve Naturelle des Gorges de l'Ardèche and is 24 kilometres long in total. It is linear, not a circular route; water levels and trail conditions can affect whether it is passable. Piboulette, by contrast, is an easy circular route: it passes Château du Bosquet and returns through the riparian woodland along the quieter Ardèche, after the river has left the gorges. If you are looking for a loop rather than a linear trail, you can take the difference in route format into account when choosing.
Château du Bosquet connects the Piboulette route with a historical point of interest. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century and was once the summer residence of the bishops of Viviers. The circular route therefore passes not only the château, but also a building with a clearly identifiable former function.
Wine tastings and guided experiences
At Domaine de la Croix Blanche, a cellar tour and tasting go hand in hand: the tour is followed by guided tastings of the organic wines Coteaux de l’Ardèche, Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Andéol. A platter of local charcuterie and cheeses is served alongside. The estate organically farms 22 hectares of vines and produces wines from these appellations, as well as IGP Ardèche wines. Booking arrangements for visits may change.
Domaine Nicolas Croze offers tastings of its Côtes-du-Rhône wines in its cellar in the centre of the village. The family winery has been in operation for four generations and produces Côtes du Rhône wines. Another way to combine wine with an activity is VELŒnologie: a guided e-bike tour with a tasting at Domaine de la Croix Blanche, attended by the winemakers. Availability and scheduling may change; check in advance for current options.
More activities
Canoe operators in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche offer a six-kilometre nature descent downstream to Plage du Pont Cassé. Compared with the 24-kilometre Sentier, the two outings differ both in their stated distance and in how you get around. Operators and route conditions may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before planning.
Families with children can also try an orienteering course in Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche. Programme details may change. Alongside trails, the river and wine tastings, there is also a family-oriented activity and a guided tour to choose from—different options to help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Nozières, Félines, Châteauneuf-de-Vernoux, Labatie D'andaure, Saint-Maurice-d'Ibie, Pradons, Alba-La-Romaine, Laviolle.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
